Wimbledon announced that the prize fund for the 2025 edition will reach £53.5 million, representing a 7% increase from the previous year and double the amount awarded in 2015. The winners of the singles categories will receive £3 million, while first-round losers will earn £66,000. The Chair of the All England Club, Debbie Jevans, stated that they have listened to player demands and held direct conversations with several of them following a letter sent by top-ranked players, requesting a larger share of the revenue generated by the Grand Slams.
However, Jevans warned that increasing prize money does not solve the structural issues of professional tennis. From Wimbledon’s perspective, the focus cannot solely be on the prize money from the four major tournaments, but also on deeper matters such as the lack of an off-season, the rise in injuries, and the overall balance of the calendar. In this regard, both Jevans and AELTC Chief Executive Officer Sally Bolton reaffirmed their willingness to collaborate with the tours to seek solutions that protect the players’ physical and mental health.
A commitment to dialogue and fan experience
Meetings between the All England Club and key tennis figures conveyed that player well-being goes beyond financial matters. According to Jevans, female players, once they understood the bigger picture, showed openness to a broader approach, including a review of the competitive calendar and better distribution of efforts throughout the year. “As a former player, I know they always focus on the prize money, but when the structural reasons are explained, they understand,” she said.
On another note, Wimbledon organizers defended their decision to delay the start of the singles finals to 4:00 p.m., despite the risk of late finishes. This move aims to improve the experience for spectators and participants, offering a more cohesive event day in terms of scheduling. Bolton highlighted that this change will allow better organization for doubles players, enhance the full-day experience for fans, and ensure that champions are crowned before the largest possible audience, in line with the commitment to delivering a world-class sporting spectacle.
